The recent vote by the Lebanon School Board to retain a school resource officer proves the lie that state Republicans are trying to perpetuate with their so-called “divisive concepts” legislation.
HB 544 and its companion language, now written into the state budget proposal, attempts to whitewash the existence of structural racism in our society. We need look no further than the recent Lebanon School Board vote to see structural racism at play.
A majority vote of townspeople, and good-faith efforts by many individuals in their testimony against the school resource officer, tried to improve the quality of life for young people of color in Lebanon. Instead, the structurally racist system has upheld the white majority tradition of using law enforcement as a means of providing comfort in the face of some imagined threat to the current order.
Had the board voted to get rid of the position, it would have dismantled a small aspect of a system that is a constant threat to people of color. That would have sent a message to the students and families of color who bravely spoke up against the position that said, “we hear you, you matter.”
But to say this to people of color is risky. The white majority is uncomfortable with admitting that race matters, that your luck of birth plays a determining role in our cherished meritocracy. Giving voice and agency to those people of color is admitting that racism exists in our community and that it is perpetuated by the structures we use to govern.
Read the list of “divisive concepts” in HB 544 and you will find a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We all want race not to matter. We all want America, and New Hampshire, and Lebanon to not be fundamentally racist. But how can we say that’s true without allowing ourselves the opportunity to suggest the opposite? Why does racism persist? Could it be that the structures that govern our society allow it to persist? HB 544 takes the tough questions off the table and allows the white majority comfort behind walls of ignorance.
JAMES GRAHAM
Lyme
Hats off to Forum contributor Roxana Sharlet for sharing her recent experience (“Targeted by a hateful slur, and no help from the grown-ups,” May 16). She has shown more courage and integrity than the kids who bullied her and her brother and the adults who chose to ignore the situation.
“Kids will be kids,” many will say, but in our view, this situation crossed the line.
Having lived in Norwich for 35 years, where we raised our family, we have witnessed bullying and intolerance, but fundamentally we know Norwich is better than this.
Let’s hope that the adults and parents who read Roxana’s letter will use this as a teaching moment to speak with their kids about kindness, understanding and tolerance and are reminded that we are role models for the kids in this community.
LISA and DON McCABE
Norwich
I want to tell Roxana Sharlet that, had I been present, I most certainly would have spoken up (“Targeted by a hateful slur, and no help from the grown-ups,” May 16).
Thanks to her for the eloquent reminder that ugliness can exist in the most beautiful of places. Norwich is a wonderful town, a kind and generous community, as shown during the “19 Days” event. However, we need that kindness every day. We all do.
Kindness and respect for all individuals makes such a difference. May Roxana flourish and continue to contribute her voice for civility and respect.
JUDY PHILLIPS
Norwich
In the May 16 Washington Post article “Trust a barrier in mask rollback,” parent Michelle Garrett worries if unvaccinated people will “rip off their masks” in light of more relaxed federal guidelines. Without a form of vaccine passport, she can’t be sure her 14-year-old daughter remains safe while awaiting her shots.
“You’re going to be dependent on people being honest enough to say whether they are vaccinated or not,” Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN. With all due respect to Dr. Fauci, whom I greatly admire, we’re facing another potential health crisis. Simply taking one’s word for it doesn’t cut it.
Do we take a teenager’s word that he’s 21 at the counter to buy alcohol, or do we make him show ID? Can a person just tell a police officer that her car is registered and inspected, or must she provide proof?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which governs medical privacy, is often mentioned in the vaccine controversy. HIPAA does not apply to private and public institutions. There is a long-established right for schools, employers, governments and businesses to require individuals to provide proof of vaccination, or seek medical or religious exemption. The Peace Corps now requires proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.
An unvaccinated individual can’t hide behind HIPAA to gain entry to a business or other indoor space, where proof of vaccination is required.
Nor can he demand that free doughnut at Krispy Kreme, the free hot dog at Nathan’s, or entry into the $1 million weekly drawing in Ohio. More and more businesses are handing out prizes to individuals who show their vaccination card, and it has been very effective.
Medical historian Howard Markel who directs the University of Michigan’s Center for the History of Medicine, suggests that vaccine passports don’t take away freedom. “In fact,” he told the Michigan Medicine blog, “they increase your freedom because they allow you to travel where you want to go and do what you want to do. Those who say otherwise are making controversy where none should exist.”
The sooner we accept the need for a vaccine passport, the safer and ultimately more comfortable we will all be.
CATHY LACOMBE
Grantham